Garden Route National Park Operations Amid Ongoing Severe Weather
The Garden Route region continues to experience heavy rainfall, although wind conditions have subsided compared to yesterday, 11 May 2026. Damage asse...
Heightened Flooding Risk And Temporary Closure Of Activities In The Garden Route National Park
Residents and visitors to the Garden Route National Park are advised to remain on high alert as severe weather conditions increase the risk of flooding across the region.
This follows an Orange Level 8 warning issued by the South African Weather Service forecasting prolonged and disruptive rainfall from 5 to 7 May 2026. Rainfall totals of 100–200mm are expected, with higher localised accumulations possible. With catchment areas already saturated, the risk of rapid runoff, flash flooding, and infrastructure impact is high.
Temporary Closure of Visitor Activities and Facilities:
Wilderness Section
All water-based recreational activities, including canoeing and boating, hiking trail activities are temporarily closed. Accommodation and Camping remain open at the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp.
Touw River and Swartvlei Estuary
SANParks follows established estuary management protocols, which prioritise:
- Natural breaching where possible
- Artificial breaching only when necessary
- Decisions guided by water levels, inflows, flood risk, and sea conditions
Plant machinery is on standby for the duration of the expected severe weather conditions.
Knysna Section
All hiking and cycling trails in the Knysna Section of the Garden Route National Park are temporarily closed.
Tsitsikamma Section
The Otter trail and Waterfall hiking trail are temporarily closed, and all guests with Otter trail bookings have been contacted to arrange alternative dates, while accommodation and camping facilities remain open at Storms River Mouth and Nature’s Valley Camp. All water-based activities at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp are currently suspended.
SANParks has activated the Safety and Flood Response Plans and is working closely with the Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Centre and other partners, while continuing to monitor river and estuary levels, rainfall intensity, and coastal and tidal conditions.
These closures and activity suspensions remain in place to protect human life and reduce the risk of damage to infrastructure. They will only be lifted once the severe weather has passed and conditions are confirmed safe, with updates on reopening to be communicated.